Rowlett vs. Rockwall (Dallas, Garland, Howe: condos, townhomes, layoffs)

[barbara8585]

We want to buy a home for retirement on Lake Ray Hubbard. What
are the pluses for Rowlett and Rockwall. Also, what are the cons.

[ETex2]

Most homes are $250,00 plus in Rockwall. In Rowlett, most homes are $150,000-$250,000.

More shopping in Rockwall, but it's easier to get to Firewheel Towne Centre in Garland (the nearest regional mall) from Rowlett.

If the traffic on I-30 (major route to Dallas) is snarled, good luck getting out of Rockwall.

In Rowlett, at least you have other options such as SH-66. Just getting to SH-66 is a major problem from the southern parts of Rockwall, esp. if I-30 is clogged.

Rockwall school district is generally considered to be superior to Garland where most Rowlett students attend. But some parts of Rowlett are in Rockwall County and those students attend Rockwall ISD.

[momof2dfw]

I'd pick Rockwall. Better municipal leadership all the way around and more proactive in getting things done. You also have more shoreline in Rockwall w/ nice houses on it. You can build a boathouse/dock in either city now if you have lakefront. If you want something small and not much for yard upkeep you can find that in Rockwall over by The Harbor and be within walking distance to a lot of dining and shopping and the other events they hold there throughout the year. Two good golf courses in Rockwall w/ The Shores and Buffalo Creek. Rockwall just has a better appeal overall and more shopping and dining options which in turn puts your tax dollars you spend back into your own community.

[LQQKOUT]

I must speak up and be bias here. I would pick Rowlett. Hints the name. The shore lines in the Rowlett area are still nice and appealing to retirees. Rowlett is a more laid back city that is still growing and yes having the Firewheel Mall closer is a plus. Rockwall is more high end atmosphere. Rowlett is getting the 190 toll road going through it, which will in turn bring more shopping as well has contribute to the DART station in old town. I was really impressed with Rowlett then Rockwall...which we looked at both areas because our realtor told us Rockwall taxes were much lower...but after comparing house to house there was no savings at all from either place. Now, I see your a retiree or going to purchase for retirement so schooling is not in question. Also, GISD has several SUPERIOR schools as well.

[barbara8585]

Are you referring to Portifino? The problem we are running into in
Rockwall is way too big of homes. We love Buffalo Creek, but we are
trying to downsize in retirement. Also, we really want lake front.

[DaveG99]

When drivign into rockwall on I30 on the left hand side there is a neighborhood with white homes with red tile roofs. The sign always used to read from the $170's for that neighborhood and it looked really nice and its on the water. That was 1-2 years ago though.

[momof2dfw]

If you really want lakefront then Rockwall has a lot more to offer in that area. There are very few areas in Rowlett w/ actual lakefront that you can use. Check out Chandlers Landing as there are townhomes in that area and they have a marina. Portifino is one development w/ condos. Turtle Cove is another area. If your wanting anything much smaller than the condos/townhomes in these areas you will not find it lakefront in Rockwall.

[momof2dfw]

Originally Posted by DaveG99

When drivign into rockwall on I30 on the left hand side there is a neighborhood with white homes with red tile roofs. The sign always used to read from the $170's for that neighborhood and it looked really nice and its on the water. That was 1-2 years ago though.

That is Turtle Cove. That little area right on I-30 across from The Harbor has grown. Now for your dining pleasure on that side of the highway: Snuffers, Salt Grass Steakhouse, Genghis Grill (YUM), Starbucks, Kyoto.

[blueiis]

Do NOT buy in Rowlett---you will be sorry IMPO. I know because I lived there for 22 years and I just moved out. City Council has no regard for citizens....employees are consistently being laid off for budget shortfalls....never enough money to keep common areas clean and mowed. If you want to read for yourself go to Rowlett, Texas, USA Information Home Page

[LQQKOUT]

Originally Posted by blueiis

Do NOT buy in Rowlett---you will be sorry IMPO. I know because I lived there for 22 years and I just moved out. City Council has no regard for citizens....employees are consistently being laid off for budget shortfalls....never enough money to keep common areas clean and mowed. If you want to read for yourself go to Rowlett, Texas, USA Information Home Page

Rowlett did layoffs just like every other city in this nation. And yes some shouldn't be on the board...not every city is perfect. I personnally like Rowlett and people seem to give it a bad rap. Not sure why. I love where I live and shop.
As for the common areas clean and mowed right now there is construction on two major areas in Rowlett, which maintaining is difficult. However the city and the organization within the city strive to keep things looking nice.
Yes, there is homes and residents that need to maintian their property better and the city needs to inforce the laws. After all we are all tax payers.